Austin is known for many things, including being the host for the South by Southwest festival and for, you know, being the state capital. The city has recently become known for another esteemed event and the best thing about it? It’s free of charge.

​Since 2003, Austin has held a “Free Week.” Running Jan. 1 through 10, it brings in the New Year by featuring popular local bands. The tradition started at Emos, a performance venue, because, according to Cody Cowan, general manager of Austin’s The Mohawk, “venue business is terrible in the winter.”

Cowan says Free Week was created by Graham Williams, founder of Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest, who saw an opportunity to keep the music scene alive during the winter. Bands perform at different venues throughout the week, and of course, every show is free.

“Free Week is generally something to look forward to,” Roger Sellers, electronic and folk-dance music performer, says. “Everyone just really enjoys Free Week because you go to shows and get to see all your friends. It’s kind of a communal thing. We all go out and listen to badass local music.”

Richard Henry, a promoter and former performer for Free Week, says popular and upcoming bands that have been performing throughout the year are chosen by various promoters to appear during Free Week.

According to Cowan, thousands of people come out and experience the event and this year 150 local bands are performing.

“[Free Week] is a way for venues to support and showcase local artists to new crowds,” Cowan says.

Here is a list of some of the bands performing at just a few of Austin, Texas’ venues. Photo courtesy of Transmission Events.

According to Austinites who come out and experience Free Week, what makes this celebration unique is the chance to see local artists that are gaining popularity.

“The best thing about Free Week is that you can hop in and out of venues and hear a bunch of bands,” Laura Burrus, owner and writer of Austin Music Box, says. “I find delight in watching people do what they love doing. Sometimes the musicians aren’t very good, but at least they are doing something they love. And I am a huge supporter and promoter of local bands, so Free Week is the perfect time to check out bands I haven’t had a chance to see.”

Although Free Week originated in Austin, it has expanded to other markets nationwide.

Cowan says many venues have a hard time generating revenue during the winter because students are home for school break, bands typically aren’t touring and many are reluctant to spend a lot of money right after the holidays.

According to Cowan, Free Week targets the 18 to 30-year-old demographic. However, anyone is allowed to experience the festivities.

“This is a really good showcase if you’re looking for a younger crowd type of entertainment,” Sellers says. “Free Week is kind of what we have to offer…It’s a good way to see what’s going on in Austin and what bands are legit. It’s also a good way to network, especially for musicians, because you see the best local bands in Austin.”

As a music festival for local performers, Free Week strives to give bands notoriety. To venue managers, what makes this week special is the opportunity to show their support for lesser known musicians while simultaneously making use of their own space.

“Without Free Week, local artists would have nowhere to play and promote themselves,” Cowan says. “Without Free Week, many bar and venue staff would not be able to pay their rent…Another great thing is that many people who attend Free Week aren’t live music devotees or lifestyle folk – they are people who see “free” and are willing to take a risk and check out new bands and new businesses. Bands get great exposure, to large, new crowds and new people fall in love with live music. It’s a beautiful thing.​”

Alexandra Samuels is a student at the University of Texas-Austin and is a spring 2014 Collegiate Correspondent.